Alpena, MI – A powerful ice storm is hammering northern Michigan, bringing dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outage risks to several counties through midday Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, an Ice Storm Warning remains in effect until noon EDT today for Alpena, Otsego, Emmet, and nearby counties including Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Charlevoix. Officials report additional ice accumulations of up to a quarter inch, leading to downed trees, power lines, and hazardous roads.
The storm is impacting both inland and island communities, including Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island, and Beaver Island, where conditions have made some roads impassable. Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel, particularly over bridges and rural routes where ice buildup is severe.
Road crews are working to clear debris, but falling limbs and iced-over infrastructure continue to pose risks. Power companies in the region have deployed response teams, with outages already affecting hundreds of homes.
Residents should stay indoors, avoid touching downed wires, and report outages to their utility providers. Keep emergency supplies, including water, flashlights, and batteries, on hand. Icy conditions are expected to ease after noon but cleanup and restoration efforts may extend into the week.
